I'm back in the States and I had a fabulous trip! I apologize for not getting back to those of you, who wrote last week, for some reason all the work I did in JFK airport on my way home was never sent out. That would be you Gloria, Pam, Charles, Lin, Shirley, Judy, Brenda, Morgan, Corey, Pam, Irene, Jeanie, Jane, David, Lisa, Margaret, Charlie and Joan. For the rest of you, I responded from Maine and they seem to have gone through to you all.
While in India, I was keeping track of the snow storms back home and in fact, the blizzard of 2014 received quite a bit of coverage. I don't think, we got hit especially hard, however due to the size of the storm up and down the East coast, it received world wide attention. Upon my return, the snow banks had returned to a level we had seen earlier in the winter, prior to the rain and warm spell. It is my understanding, we have another significant storm headed our way which will probably end up being mostly rain. At G & E Roofing, we are working our entire staff plus 20 temporary workers in an effort to remove snow on commercial buildings where owners are anticipating a weight issue, should we get the expected 1" of rain.
I enjoyed two weeks of 80-90 degree weather and have the tan to show for it, only to return to 20 degree weather back in Portland. What a shock to the system, and if you'd been with me going to my car at the Portland Jetport, you would have heard me saying
"who would choose this weather over the weather I just left".
While gone, our staff headed by Sherri, Jess and Jean in the front and Meagan and Ryan in the back did their usual outstanding job. It's no secret that the restaurant industry is very draining and at times, I have concerns for my management team. They have shared with me more than once that 5 or 6 years of the restaurant business is more than a lot of people can take. We keep plugging along, however, and who knows, there may be some fresh blood in the future.
As usual, it has taken me several days to get my body back on Eastern Standard Time. At this point, I should be fully recovered having arrived in Palermo, Maine at 2 am on Monday morning. Last night was to be my first good night of sleep back on schedule and for some reason, I could not fall asleep. It is the first night that I can remember, that I did not sleep at all. I was going to get up and start doing paperwork, but I felt that lying in bed with my eyes closed was better for me than the alternative. I have a sleeping pill for tonight just in case, but I hate to take it for I have never had a problem sleeping. I think a little bit of the trouble is the stress of returning and realizing that I heading back out of state next Thursday for a National Banking Convention. Although, I have worked my butt off for the last 39 years, I do feel a little guilty of all the travel that I have planned. I'm sure I will get over it and I get great satisfaction sharing my adventures with you all.
This afternoon, I took my son and we went and shoveled one of my best friend's roof. Walter, who is battling cancer and Dale, who is recovering from a stroke, are two of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. I met them through the Dine-ah shortly after we opened in 2007, when both of them were in great physical health. Walter and Dale, I will always be there for the both of you to the best of my ability.
I'd like to give a shout out to Jon James and thank him once again for hosting our Wednesday Trivia Night. Even with the storm last night, we had a full house, which is a true testament to Jon and how much people look forward to coming to the Dine-ah, sharing time with Jon and trying to answer the Trivia questions and God only knows where he finds them!
I am going to wrap this up by saying goodbye to all and thanking you for your continued support.
Good day,
Norm
Ahmedabad from the air south of Amedabad from the air
Shiv Niwas Palace hotel at night street where Abhi's Mom lives
Coca Cola truck in India! Indian Girl
village dwelling manual labor
migrant worker housing oxen restraint (note stick around neck)
Full house! Notice lady riding side saddle on back
